VS040 ORD-LHR 26 Nov 08 (Upper)
Posted: 03 Feb 2009, 21:43This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check-in at ORD was very efficient. There was one pax in front of me in the UC queue and person doing crowd control directed (indeed carried two of my three bags) me to an economy check-in desk where a friendly and efficient young man dealt with me. Asked me if I had had a good time in Chicago etc - was far more solicitous than any staff have been when travelling Econ so I was getting the UC experience! Not sure what the pax at the desk next to me thought of all this - he was just getting the 'have you packed yourself' ones!
After doing all the usual things he made sure my bags were properly tagged for priority handling. He made sure chap taking the bags away (looks like the belts werent working but not my problem!) waited until he did this - I think this chap was more used to dealing with econ bags.
He completed my lounge invitation and wished me a good trip. [^]
A quick spin round the duty free shop - not a patch on T3 at LHR (for a nation that does shopping so well the US hasn't got the hang of airport shopping). Again this system delivering the shopping on the other side - but at ORD they just hand if through a hatch to airside - there is a smaller selection on sale airside. Staff here v efficient - probably glad I collected there rather than them lug it down to the gate!
Security was the usual TSA - not sure if they know the difference between 'business like' and 'rude'. I had put my p/port and BC in the tray and this is an apparent no-no so I was singled out for this to be checked. [V]
Went straight to the JAL lounge where efficient lady in VA uniform was at the desk. Told me the lounge was in two parts - larger part with TV and a smaller section with a massage chair. Looked round the TV side but was too noisy for me so went to the massage chair side and this was and remained deserted apart from one pax who went to one of the work stations and a couple who came and looked and went!
Limited selection of drinks - no champers [ii] available and only crisps, nuts and crackers to eat. I went to check the 'TV' side and it was the same. Tried a white wine but it was awful [:$]
Tried another and was the same so had a couple or three vodka and ginger ales and coffee (in a seperate cup). [y]
There were a very few English papers / magazines - most were in Japanese.
Asked the lady at the desk how full the flight was and she said not very but it was a bigger plane than normal. Asked if my seat was 'quiet' if there were people around me. She said there were and asked of I wanted to change. Said I would leave it till I got on the plane.
Flight was called and mini rush to the gate but I relaxed a little and had another drink and waited for second call.
Gate was efficient with clear lane for UC. Staff friendly 'enjoy your trip Mr C etc'
Was escorted to my seat and given a quick tour of it. Asked what size pj's I wanted. No large or XL so tried the medium. A little tight but not uncomfortable. Champers soon arrived as well as the OJ I'd ordered.
Asked crew about changing seat to the other side as it was going to be quieter - not a problem and helped me with bags etc. Only problem was that they then had no record of my name so had to ask.
FSM came and said hello etc and offered the extra goodies. [y]
Food and drink service was attentive but not oppressive. Few crew saw Tonty and came to say hello - brief convo re travellers toys - most crew seam to have one too!. One staff member was excellent - won't name her here but have emailed VA - received a very nice reply from customer services.
Can't remember what I ate for dinner but it was excellent (will make a note for my next TR)
Tried to sleep but the suite is just a tad too narrow for my shoulders plus I've not generally been able to sleep on planes but I managed to doze off a couple of times.
Watched Sex and the City (twice) and Mamma Mia (once). Wasn't the same system as on the way out this was the one you can pause etc.
Asked for a couple of cuppas during the trip and they came rapidly.
Breakfast was good but am not a fan of beans - perhaps these could be served separately?
Landing was just a little early. By the time I'd walked from the gate and done p/port control etc the bags were just arriving. Couldn't believe it but one of my bags was 1st off with the other 2 following not far behind.
Used the revivals lounge but had to fight my way through departures to get to the lift.
Staff there helpful and booked me a shower. I didn't know there were treatments available though otherwise I would have had one - and didn't see a menu of them either. Had a coffee and OJ.
Was asked a couple of times if I wanted to order breakfast but I wasn't hungry. Was nice to be asked again though and was good staff don't assume you wont change your mind after having a rest !.
Not a patch on the CH but still very good.